System for mounting objects to a structure
A system for mounting an object on a structure includes a pivoting mounting bracket portion and a rail portion. The mounting bracket portion includes a front plate that is pivotally coupled to a back plate. The rail portion is shaped in the form a C-channel. The back plate is sized and shaped to snugly fit within the C-channel of the rail portion. The rail portion is configured to be attached to the structure, and the front plate is configured to be attached to the object.
The present application relates to systems and methods for mounting objects to structures. In particular, the present application relates to systems and methods for mounting paintings and artwork to walls.
2. Description of Related ArtDisplaying artwork on walls is as old as artwork itself. By mounting the artwork on walls and other structures, the artwork can be seen and enjoyed by many people at once. However, mounting artwork to walls and other structures for display is a job that can be very time consuming. Making sure the objects are level and straight can be a difficult undertaking, particularly if the piece of artwork is large or bulky.
To hang small pieces of artwork, a small bracket is attached to the back of the artwork or the artwork's frame. Then, a nail or pin is installed onto the wall and the artwork is hung by placing the bracket over the nail. Of course, there are many other ways to hang artwork, including the use of wire hangers, eye bolts, etc. However, it will be appreciated that extra work must be done to hang large pieces of artwork to ensure that the artwork remains in place on the wall. Once the artwork is hung, it must be periodically adjusted and straightened to make sure that the artwork remains straight and level. In commercial settings, the artwork is often secured to the wall with fasteners to prevent the artwork from being tampered with or stolen.
Although great strides have been made in the area of hanging artwork, many shortcomings remain.
The novel features believed characteristic of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the present application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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Mounting bracket portion 101 includes a back plate 104 and a front plate 106. Front plate 106 is configured to swivel relative to back plate 104, via a swivel system 108. Swivel system 108 is preferably a ball bearing swivel system in which front plate 106 is coupled to back plate 104 via a ball bearing system. Swivel system 108 allows front plate 106 and back plate 104 to swivel a full 360 degrees relative to each other (see arrow A), while maintaining front plate 106 and back plate 104 in generally parallel planes. It will be appreciated that other types of swivel systems other than ball bearing systems may be utilized. Front plate 106 is configured to receive one or more fasteners 107 for fastening front plate 106 to a piece of artwork (see also
Rail portion 103 is preferably an elongated member having a C-channel configuration formed by a back wall 110, an upper guide channel 109, and a lower guide channel 111. Upper guide channel 109 includes an upper tab 113 and lower guide channel 111 includes a lower tab 115. The interior distance between upper guide channel 109 and a lower guide channel 111 is sized slightly larger than the exterior length L of back plate 104, so that back plate 104 will slide into the C-channel of rail portion 103 and be able to slide along rail portion 103, but will not wobble inside the C-channel. In other words, back plate 104 snugly fits with the C-channel, with just enough clearance to slide back plate 104 within rail portion 103 without binding. In addition, a selected gap G exists between front plate 106 and back plate 104, so that back plate 104 may slide within rail portion 103 without front plate 106 binding against either upper tab 113 or lower tab 115. Rail portion 103 is configured for attachment to a structure, such as a wall, a post, a door, or any other suitable structure. As such, rail portion 103 may include one or more mounting apertures 133.
Front plate 106 and back plate 104 are each preferably made of a metallic material, but can be made of plastic, composite, or any other similar material, or combination thereof. Similarly, rail portion 103 is preferably made of a metallic material, but can be made of plastic, composite, or any other similar material, or combination thereof.
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It is apparent that a system and method with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.
Claims
1. A system for mounting an object on a structure, comprising:
- a mounting bracket portion comprising: a back plate; and a front plate pivotally coupled to the back plate, the front plate being configured for attachment to the object; and
- a rail portion configured for attachment to the structure, the rail portion being sized and shaped to slidingly receive the back plate from at least two sides;
- wherein the back plate is sized such that once received by the rail portion, the back plate is secured in place;
- wherein the front plate is rotatable at a fixed distance relative to the back plate while the back plate is contained by the rail portion; and
- wherein the front plate is pivotally coupled to the back plate via a ball bearing swivel system.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the rail portion comprises:
- a C-channel sized and shaped to slidingly receive the back plate.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the front plate comprises:
- one or more elongated front plate strips.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the front plate comprises:
- a circular disk.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the front plate comprises:
- a disk having curved and straight edges.
6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:
- one or more stoppers operably associated with the rail portion for retaining the back plate with the rail portion.
7. The system for mounting an object to a structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure comprises one of the following:
- a wall;
- a post; and
- a door.
8. The system for mounting an object to a structure according to claim 1, wherein the object comprises one of the following:
- a picture;
- a painting; and
- a sign.
9. A method of mounting an object on a structure, comprising:
- providing a mounting bracket portion having a back plate and a front plate pivotally coupled to the back plate;
- mounting the front plate to the object;
- providing a rail portion;
- attaching the rail portion to the structure; and
- sliding the back portion into one of at least two open sides of the rail portion;
- wherein the back plate is sized so that once received by the rail portion, the back plate will be secured in place;
- wherein the front plate is rotatable relative to the back plate while the back plate is contained by the rail portion; and
- wherein the front plate is pivotally coupled to the back plate with a ball bearing system.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the rail portion includes a C-channel sized and shaped to snugly receive the back plate.
11. A method of hanging multiple pieces of artwork on a structure and changing the orientation of the pieces of artwork relative to each other, the method comprising:
- providing a first mounting system having a first pivoting mounting bracket portion and a first rail portion;
- attaching the first rail portion to the structure;
- attaching the first pivoting mounting bracket portion to a first piece of artwork;
- sliding the first mounting bracket portion into the first rail portion, thereby hanging the first piece of artwork on the structure;
- providing a second mounting system having a second pivoting mounting bracket portion and a second rail portion;
- attaching the second rail portion to the structure;
- attaching the second pivoting mounting bracket portion to a second piece of artwork; and
- sliding the second mounting bracket portion into the second rail portion, thereby hanging the second piece of artwork on the structure;
- wherein the back plate is sized so that once received by the rail portion, the back plate will be secured in place.
12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:
- sliding the first piece of artwork relative along the first rail portion, so as to clear the second piece of artwork;
- rotating the first piece of artwork about the first pivoting mounting bracket, so as to change the orientation of the first piece of artwork;
- sliding the first piece of artwork back into place.
13. A system for mounting an object on a structure, comprising:
- a mounting bracket portion comprising: a back plate; and a front plate configured for attachment to the object;
- a rail portion configured for attachment to the structure, the rail portion being sized and shaped to slidingly receive the back plate from at least two sides; and
- an adjustable coupling member for coupling the front plate to the back plate;
- wherein the back plate is sized such that once received by the rail portion, the back plate is secured in place;
- wherein the front plate is rotatable relative to the back plate while the back plate is contained by the rail portion; and
- wherein the adjustable coupling member is a telescoping shaft, whereby the front plate may translate relative to the back plate, such that the front plate and the back plate remain in generally parallel planes.
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Type: Grant
Filed: Dec 16, 2021
Date of Patent: Nov 28, 2023
Patent Publication Number: 20230190016
Inventor: Mark Olmstead (Fort Worth, TX)
Primary Examiner: Nkeisha Smith
Application Number: 17/552,865
International Classification: A47G 1/16 (20060101);